Odisha Champions Family-Based Child Care at National Adoption Conclave 2025

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development, hosted the two-day National Adoption Conclave 2025 in Puri. The event brought together a diverse gathering of policymakers, legal experts, district officials, and child welfare practitioners to accelerate adoption reforms and strengthen family-based care for children in need.

The conclave opened on a hopeful note with Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighting the importance of ensuring every child’s right to a loving and secure home. She lauded the state’s progressive approach to adoption, stating, “Odisha has significantly streamlined its adoption systems in recent years. This conclave is a powerful platform to recommit ourselves to building nurturing family environments for all children.”

Joining her were key dignitaries including Shubha Sarma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Women & Child Development; Bhavna Saxena, IPS, CEO of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA); and Monisha Banerjee, IAS, Director, ICDS & Social Welfare. Together, they emphasised the importance of collaboration across departments and sectors to protect children’s rights.

The conclave featured in-depth technical sessions conducted by experts from CARA, UNICEF, and state authorities. These sessions delved into legal safeguards under the Juvenile Justice Act, psychosocial frameworks to support adoptive families, and international trends in care reform. Innovative models from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra were presented as examples of scalable and impactful practice.

One of the highlights of the conclave was the learning exchange session, where District Collectors and Additional District Magistrates from various regions of Odisha showcased local strategies that encourage adoption over institutional care. Active participation from Child Welfare Committee chairpersons and District Child Protection Officers added practical insights on accelerating adoption timelines and ensuring better coordination between agencies.

As the event concluded, there was a shared resolve among participants to take the dialogue beyond policy and into action. The conclave not only celebrated Odisha’s leadership in child welfare but also laid the foundation for stronger, community-driven adoption ecosystems across the country.